"Red Man's Gold"

54 x 70 inches, Oil on Canvas

The wealth of the Red Man was often measured in his abundance of horses. Because Native American Society allowed for polygamous marriages, horses meant trading power for more wives and the ability to provide for each of them. The more horses he had, especially the good, agile and brave ones, the more hunting power he had. It also meant respect and admiration from others, both man and woman, of all ages. Having many good horses even earned him respect from enemy tribes. Horse raids against enemy tribes, always done at night, was a highly prized exploit. It signified a man's guile and bravery.